Dai Le (Fowler, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

Last week I had the privilege of visiting Scalabrini's Live Easy social hub, where I got to meet amazing seniors living in our wonderful and diverse community of Fowler. Scalabrini is a not-for-profit organisation, which initiated this seniors program that brings together older people from Filipino, Spanish and Italian backgrounds to connect and stay active, like 95-year-old Rosina Trabbia. It's a simple thing, but it reminded me just how important staying connected is for keeping people healthy and happy. They're looking to expand this initiative further to other cultural groups.

I also had the pleasure of joining our Timorese community to commemorate 50 years since the first Timorese refugees found safety here in Australia and in my community of Fowler. We began with a moving mass at Our Lady of Mt Carmel in Mt Pritchard and then gathered at the Timor Chinese Association of NSW for a lively celebration. It was a special moment, too, for me to reconnect with Agio Pereira, now minister of state for East Timor, whom I first met and interviewed decades ago during his country's fight for independence. The resilience and generosity of the Timorese people have enriched Fowler and south-west Sydney for half a century, and their contribution continues to inspire us.

This week I also had the privilege of welcoming nearly 800 new citizens at ceremonies across Fairfield, Liverpool and Cumberland councils. For many of us, including me, that citizenship certificate is more than just a document; it's a symbol of belonging, opportunity and a fresh start in the Australian story.

Whether it's helping seniors find connection, celebrating the milestones of our multicultural communities or welcoming new Australians, these moments remind us all of what makes Fowler and, of course, Australia so special, so inclusive and so multicultural. To every individual, family and community group working to lift one another up, I say thank you. Together we are stronger.

See this speech in context